Pinecones and Roses

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

I found these little plastic reindeer at the thrift shop years ago. Then I found the little sleigh which was made from an egg carton section and pipe cleaners. Santa Claus is a tiny little Bellsnickle with a tiny candy cane. Altogether it's about 10" long.

This little peanut man was made by my granddaughter in Girl Scouts when she was little, she's now 30 years old,

My first daughter, Cathy, made these bells in kindergarten. They have graced my Christmas tree since she was in kindergarten which was 1966.

When it boils down to it, at least for me, things from my girls and family and friends are the most precious Christmas ornaments. There will be more to share with you as Christmas draws nearer. Hugs, Diane

Friday, November 30, 2018

Amanda signing in to take me for my very first flight with her. Her first passenger besides Gregg (her husband). We've dreamed about this ever since grade school and today it was REAL
I always wanted to fly and never did. It takes a lot of learning about weather and flight patterns and landing planes in difficult situations while you're fostering kittens and feeding and medicining pets and trying to have a life.. She can now fly 5 different planes. It's amazing the things she had to learn. But she did. I'm so proud of you, Bean. Thank you for saving the best part for me. Happy flying. Love you, Mom

Sunday, November 18, 2018

As we drove through the breathtaking scenery on the way to Seward my old lesson

from grade school was rattling around in my brain. The transaction where Alaska was purchased by the Secretary of State, William Henry Seward from the Russian Empire for $7.2 million. Most were in agreement but some opponents called it Seward's Icebox or Folly. I think he made a pretty good deal.

It was beautiful. Water, mountains, beautiful boats and wonderful food. The water was unbelievable in Alaska. Everywhere, beautiful blue water.

While we were there Amanda took me to the Alaska Sealife Center. I can't remember all

the different creatures we saw. There was a sea lion, beautiful, ethereal jellyfish,

and a couple octopus including this beauty. We were able to feed her and handle her

Saturday, November 17, 2018

If you're stuffy you better not go to Veronica's. I'm not stuffy and neither are Amanda's friends. So after we ran into her best friend at a lovely consignment clothing shop (a setup, it was planned all along) we headed there for breakfast. Every time I'm in Alaska Amanda takes me to Veronica's. Lovely breakfast, witches fishing balls hanging from the ceiling, yellow brick road leading to the magical kitchen. So great to see Ellen.

My beautiful daughter Amanda, or Bean.

Sign on the outdoor restroom

Across the street is an old Russian Orthodox church and buildings. It's beautiful.
Veronica's is almost on the water and it's really in a beautiful spot.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

It's hard to describe an intermission in my life that is so different from my everyday that includes, water, rocks, airplanes, northern lights, lots of animals, good food, precious people, once in a lifetime experiences, moose, and breathtaking scenery. Of course, shopping, too. There's so much more. Thank you Amanda and Gregg for the incredible trip.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Past the middle of September already. The time flys so fast. It's been a beautiful autumn here. A few leaves have fallen but they're only beginning to change color.

If you followed Deena Warner's Nestled in the Singing Woods or Can I Be Pretty in Pink I checked her blog always hoping that she's posted. I found out that she died August 19th. She fought a long and valiant fight with cancer since before I knew her in 1987. God bless you, Deena, may you have peace now.

About this time of the year I start thinking about Halloween decorations. I think I like the thought and fun of Halloween more than Halloween night itself. It's usually a fizzle as far as trick or treaters and along about dark I start getting the creeps. My Puck will take care of that.

I love the sparkly lights and the pumpkins and some of the fun things - not the gorey.

Saturday, August 18, 2018

This is a picture of my buddy Noah and I this May. This wasn't a bad start, he graduated from high school and he's off to the working world and junior college here in the fall. He's a smart, nice, guy and he will go far.

The bad start was the first day of August. - I had a heart attack. The heart surgeon did an angioplasty on me and I have more medicine added. But I'm feeling good and trying to become my "old" self.

I didn't talk about it before because I didn't want to whine and need sympathy. And besides, God spared me and I'm thankful to have my life back.

Hope you're doing well and just perking along like normal. God bless you. Diane

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Every day I journal. I want to be in my studio more but things take over. But I journal. I found when Leonard was sick that it was my sanctuary and my "place" to be when chaos sometimes seemed to be all around me.

I love it. Sometimes I draw little things that have to do with the day, sometimes I glue in images that do.

It started out as a legacy to my children but somewhere along the line that changed to my place to be. If, when I'm gone, they get some joy from them, all the better.

Friday, June 8, 2018

It was a celebration for me yesterday (it doesn't take much). My pink iris opened for the first time.
I showed it to my lawn guy who has been avoiding it with the weed eater. And my dear neighbor was also a guest at the celebration. I've been trying to get one for 5 or 6 years. When it opened I dedicated the first bloom to my little great granddaughter, Emerson. Just seemed like a great idea.

Sunday, June 3, 2018

Maybe it's because it's my birth month and also one of my daughters. Maybe it's because everything is green and it rains a lot and each time seems to make the earth new. Or maybe it's because the flowers and trees have been waiting all winter to burst open in all their glory. Whatever it is, it's a wonderful month. Hope you have a magical June.

About Me

I'm an optimistic romantic who believes that you must look for the joy in each day. Number one in my life is God.* My loved one's voices, laughing with a friend, roses, hollyhocks, mountain flowers, all flowers,.my home, my flowers, all animals, the Bighorn Mountains, beautiful things make my life sing.